The 2012 Greggys: The Male Star of the Year is “White Collar” and “Magic Mike” star Matt Bomer!

When it comes to openly gay male stars, there were many in contention this year including Chris Colfer, Neil Patrick Harris, Frank Ocean, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Adam Lambert, Jim Parsons, Cheyenne Jackson, Michael Urie and Andrew Rannells who all had busy and high-profile years.

But only one can win the Greggy and so the honor goes to Mr. Matt Bomer!

It was a breakthrough year for the 35-year-old actor who is as talented and gracious as he is handsome.

He is currently in his fourth season as one of the leads on the USA Network series White Collar in which he plays sexy ex-con Neal Caffrey.

While White Collar continues to be a solid hit, Matt got attention for many other noteworthy things this year. He was one of the stars of the summer box office hit Magic Mike about a group of male strippers, appeared with Matthew Morrison as a gay couple in an all-star benefit reading of the play 8 widely seen on YouTube, and did a memorable guest spot on Glee as the older brother of Blaine Anderson (played by Darren Criss).

But most significantly, Matt’s big year was kicked off when he came out publicly while accepting an award in Palm Springs. He did it by thanking lifetime partner Simon Halls and talking about their three kids.

He showed great class that night and also kept a dignified silence when Bret Easton Ellis caused a stir by saying Bomer could not play the lead in the movie version of Fifty Shades of Grey because he is gay. He also did not comment when Jackie Collins told the world that Bomer lost the role of Superman because of his sexual orientation.

Instead, Bomer lets his work do the talking.

And when he does weigh in on being gay, he does so thoughtfully. In October, when he and Halls were honored at the GLSEN Respect Awards, he talked about what it was like to be a gay kid: ‘When I was in high school, there was no safe haven, there was no outlet for you to speak your mind. So I did what any self-preserving 14-year-old would do—I signed up for the school play and also the football team to cover my tracks.’

“When that happens, when you aren’t allowed to speak about who you are, one of the most authentic parts of who you are, which is who you love or who you’re attracted to, feels invisible.’

13 Remarks

He’s an exceptional person, so gracious and polite and sweet and just overall nice human being. You can see that by the way he acts in interviews, his many MANY charity activities and all the nice things everyone whom ever worked with him says about him. I hope 2013 brings you more success and happiness Mr. Bomer.

What can be said that hasn’t already! He is truly a Renaissance Man is today’s society! Matt is a gifted actor who continues to be an advocate for those, who for whatever reason, cannot help themselves! It appears that Matt feels like it is his responsibility to right the wrong, and remains undaunted in this struggle!

Matt Bomer is a great choice — not only is he a fine actor and a wonderful role model, but he also happens to be a devoted and loving partner and father and that is something society can never have too many of.

Perfect article!!!!! Congrats, Greg!
Matt is not only a handsome person, he’s also a very talented, polite and sweet man. 2012 was all about Matt and I really hope 2013 brings to him much more success and happiness… He deserves it!!!!

What a hero to young people, gay or straight or both or neither — or just frighteningly anxious about adolescence, about social ritual, about “popularity.” Writing this little comment may be unimportant to most folk who may still be trying to find out what is popular vs. who they are. It matters greatly to me.

Matt Bomer is the one person who reaffirms my faith in life. I always thought my life was over when I discovered my sexuality; but watching him, I know that I can still make it beautiful. Thanks, Matt.